The country has made progress in enhancing access to essential medicines and fortifying its pharmaceutical supply chain, Dr Esperance Luvindao, the Minister of Health and Social Services, revealed this week.
Despite these advancements, Minister Luvindao concurrently raised concerns regarding persistent internal supply chain inefficiencies. These issues are leading to “self-created shortages” at various health facilities across the nation.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual National Pharmaceutical Services Forum in Windhoek, Luvindao highlighted key achievements over the past year. These include reaching 83 percent availability of essential items in public facilities, a figure derived from the Pharmaceutical Management Information System.
“This improvement reflects the sustained efforts made across various levels. The Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services implemented multiple sourcing strategies, initiated the process of securing long-term contracts, and obtained direct procurement approvals for priority items where necessary,” she said.
According to Luvindao, in a landmark public health move, the health ministry procured the human papillomavirus vaccine for the public sector, a first for Namibia.
“The rollout of this vaccine signals a major step forward in the fight against cervical cancer and reflects our broader commitment to preventive care and the health of adolescent girls and young women,” she added.
Luvindao highlighted the ministry’s refinement of its three-year rolling quantification process, leading to more accurate procurement plans and reduced wastage from overstocking and expiries.
“This year saw the successful nationwide rollout of Facility Electronic Stock Card version 4.2, a major milestone in strengthening pharmaceutical information systems at the facility level,” she added.
Furthermore, she said the Central Medical Stores reported a 70.13 percent stock level as of June 2025, an improvement from previous years.
Luvindao also highlighted Namibia’s commitment to global health security, noting the rollout of Antimicrobial Stewardship programs at six major hospitals with World Health Organization support.
Despite these advancements, Luvindao underscored that challenges such as resource limitations, changing disease patterns, and regulatory hurdles persist.
Critically, she emphasized the urgent need to accelerate reforms for a more effective information management system linking regions, facilities, and the Central Medical Stores.
She considered this a high-priority, intentional business reengineering effort to eliminate self-created shortages, where stock is available centrally but not reaching facilities, she concluded. (Xinhua)